Of Whales and Woe

Studio album by Les Claypool

Released

May 30, 2006

Recorded

2005, 2006

Genre

Experimental rock, progressive rock

Length

39:29

Label

Prawn Song

Producer

Les Claypool

Les Claypool chronology

Of Whales and Woe
(2006)

Of Fungi and Foe
(2009)

Professional ratings
Review scores
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Allmusic
Rolling Stone

Of Whales And Woe is the solo debut album by Les Claypool, the bassist/vocalist of Primus. The album was released on the May 30, 2006. The album features Skerik (saxophonist of the Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade), Mike Dillon (percussionist, also of the Frog Brigade), and Gabby La La (multi-instrumentalist). "Back off Turkey" also features Les' children, Cage and Lena. The track "Iowan Gal" is a love song for his wife, Chaney Claypool.

Of Whales and Woe marks the first album release under the name Les Claypool. Though previous "solo" efforts were issued under a variety of monikers, these new recordings are the most self-contained to date. On most of the tracks Claypool provides drums and guitar as well as his usual bass and vocals while band members add instrumental variety (Skerik - sax, Mike Dillon - marimba and percussion, Gabby La La - sitar). The CD includes an assortment of musical styles and also includes Les' theme for Seth Green's hit animated show Robot Chicken that airs on Adult Swim.

The song "Phantom Patriot" takes its name from the 2002 incident where a Richard McCaslin infiltrated the secretive Bohemian Grove campground in California. He was heavily armed and had the words "Phantom Patriot" written on his outfit.

The live band that toured in support of the album was Les Claypool's Fancy Band.

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Wikipedia